When you’re buying or selling jewelry, you want to feel confident that you’re getting a fair and honest deal. Getting a determination of the worth of your jewelry depends on a professional appraisal. Many places that deal in gems and other jewelry in large quantities, have certified professional appraisers on staff. If you must find an appraiser on your own, here are some guidelines for helping to ensure that choose someone who’s qualified.

An appraiser should set their fee based on the number of items you have and the time it takes to examine them, not on the final value of the items, or on a percentage of their value. They should answer any questions you have in a clear and understandable manner, and provide reports explaining the methods used in determining the value of the piece or pieces. The final appraisal report should be unalterable, and in a sealed envelope. It should also mention the reason for the appraisal, such as for insurance purposes, with a limit of its use as stated. Your appraiser should also belong to accredited professional associations, like the Certified Gemologist Appraiser.

DiamondExchangeUSA.com is an example of a place where shoppers can find high quality diamonds and other jewelry at great prices. If you’re looking for a place to buy or sell used jewelry or precious metals, it’s good to deal with a company with a long history in business, that’s trustworthy and has a reputation for fairness.